CEA/PA Enters The World Of Social Media

The Continuing Education Association of Pennsylvania (CEA/PA) has embraced social media with groups on Yahoo and Linked In. A new Yahoo group has been created for members http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CEAPAmembers. We hope this site will keep conversation going between our monthly meetings, encourage further engagement of the members, and be a convenient place to find information from the association. Past meeting agendas, the by-laws, our 2009-10 meeting schedule and the timely PowerPoint presentation from Robert Morris University on Social Media have been added to the files section. All members should have received an invitation to join the Yahoo group last week. Take a look at the group and let us know what additional elements you would like to see. Members who use LinkedIn are able to join a new CEA/PA group on www.Linkedin.com .

CEA/PA Committees Reactivating

We received a positive response to the survey concerning reactivating committees this year. Several members have stepped up to volunteer. We have reactivated the Awards, Corporate, Marketing and Membership Committees. If you are interested in participating on these committees and did not have a chance to respond, it is not too late. Join in! Look for additional information and updates from these committees in the months ahead.

It’s Scholarship Time Again

CEA/PA is accepting applications for our annual scholarships. We are please to announce each award has been increased to $750 this year. Two scholarships will be awarded for the 2009-2010 academic year. We are counting on all member schools to share the information with their student bodies. What a wonderful start for the New Year for two worthy Pennsylvania students!

Qualifications and Process for CEA/PA Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students

• Recipient must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at a member CEA/PA college/university.
• Recipient must have completed 24 semester hours or equivalent of credit in residence at said institution.
• Recipient must possess a minimum quality point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Recipient must be a non-traditional student as defined by the home institution.
• Financial need will be used as a criterion.
• Essay of 500-1000 words addressing the topic of the obstacles you have encountered to get to this point in your education.
• One letter of reference related to the essay topic.
• Complete the CEA/PA Scholarship Application and submit it along with the essay and official college transcript(s).

Application, essay and reference letter may be sent via e-mail. Transcripts should be sent to Susan Polick Pittsburgh Technical Institute; 850 Cranberry Woods Drive; Cranberry Twp.PA 16066. Please contact Susan for additional information on the scholarships (412) 580-7278, (fax) (724) 741-1035, email polick@pti.edu.

Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College Earns "Military Friendly School" Distinction

G.I. Jobs magazine has included Carnegie Mellon's H. John Heinz III College on its 2010 list of "Military Friendly Schools." This distinction recognizes the school's efforts to attract and retain military personnel and veterans as students, and acknowledges the excellence toward meeting
their educational needs.

"Many veterans pursuing careers in public service also need to acquire advanced technology skills, and the Heinz College is able to blend those disciplines for them," said David Eber, director of admissions at the Heinz College. "Our partnership with West Point Military Academy and the CIO Certification program with the U.S. General Services Administration have been particularly popular with our military candidates." Allison Frankoski, director of its Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program, added that this program offers generous government tuition discount and a flexible distance format that makes it possible for military
personnel to earn their master's degrees in information technology management or information assurance even while on active duty or deployment.

The Military Friendly Schools list was compiled by G.I. Jobs through polling conducted earlier this year of more than 7,000 schools in the United States. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students. The full list of Military Friendly Schools can be found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/mfspr.

"This list is especially important now because the recently enacted Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school," said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs publisher. "Veterans can now enroll in any school, provided they're academically qualified. So schools are clamoring for them like never before. Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military Friendly Schools list is that trusted friend."

A full story and detailed list of Military Friendly Schools is highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools and on a poster, both of which were distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in September. Visit www.militaryfriendlyschools.com for a complete listing, interactive tools and search functionality to assist military veterans in choosing schools that best meet their educational needs.

The Educational Opportunity Center Can Help Your School!

The Educational Opportunity Center shared some information on its program and how they can assist our member institutions. All the services offered by the EOC are Free! Here are some quick FAQs:

What is the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)?
The Educational Opportunity Center is a Federal TRIO program. It is designed to provide information and counseling to adults who would like to go to college or other post secondary education institutions.

How is the EOC Funded?
The Educational Opportunity Center is funded by a grant from the US Department of Education. It is sponsored by Penn State University, as part of the University's land grant mission to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Who is Eligible?
EOC program participants are eligible US Citizens who are 19 years of age or older and who are considered low income by federal guidelines and/or whose parents did not receive a bachelor's degree.

What are some of the EOC Services?
EOC provides educational assistance services for participants including workshops at various collaborating agencies and post secondary institutions and/or one-on-one sessions in the following areas:

• Admissions assistance
• Financial aid assistance
• College Visits and Tours
• Referrals to GED programs/testing centers
• Various related services

The EOC can partner with your school/program and assist you in the above areas!! Contact Stephanie DeMaro at saw163@psu.edu or 412-675-9037 for more information.

Submit Information For Future Newsletters

We welcome all current news from CEA member institutions, upcoming events and educational resources. If you are interested in submitting an article for our next CEA/PA web page newsletter, please contact Maureen Martin at Maureenemartin@hotmail.com.